SIBU: The land-clearing contractor who was alleged to have killed three members of his family in the case, which had shocked the nation, has been charged with murder at the magistrate's court.
On Monday, the accused, Jacob Tiang Lee Yee, 42, was charged with murder of his wife, Ling Yung Ming, 40, his daughter Christine Tiang Soon Ai, 14, and his son Victor Tiang Soon Sheng, 2.
The murders happened between 6.20am and 9.50am on July 5 last year at No 14B, Lane 1B, Pulau Li Hua, in what is believed to be premeditated due to a RM3.5mil debt incurred by the accused.
If convicted, the offences carry a mandatory death sentence by hanging under Section of 302 of the Penal Code.
Tiang also faced another charge under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempting to murder another son, Vincent Tiang Soon Sheng, 18, by hitting the teen’s nape with a bamboo stick, including trying to suffocate him with a pillow.
The offence provides for a jail sentence of up to 10 years and a fine.
He could also face an imprisonment of up to 20 years’ if the victim was injured.
His fifth charge was for trying to kill himself under Section 309 of the same Code by hanging himself using a belt under the staircase of the house.
He is liable to a jail sentence of up to one year, or fine, or both, if convicted.
Tiang understood the charges when it was read to him in Foochow. No plea was taken from the accused, who was spotted in a new bold hairstyle.
The court ordered that the case be transfered to the High Court for further mention.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
